Associate in Applied Science inVisual Communication

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Why Major in Visual Communication

The Visual Communication Degree (AAS) is offered through Art, Design, and Performing Arts Department.

The curriculum is rooted in a strong foundation of art and design skills, with classroom exercises providing practical and theoretical experience.

Students develop skills and technical knowledge in industry standard software (such as Adobe Creative Suite) and industry standard equipment (including digital cameras, audio and lighting equipment, large-format printers, scanners, drawing tablets, and prepress considerations). Coursework also focuses on developing strong concepts, troubleshooting design issues, and critical thinking while working as an individual or in team-based environments.

Students will learn foundational skills applicable to career possibilities in many areas of visual communication, including graphic design, industrial design, illustration, photography, videography, motion graphics, animation, and more. At the end of the program, students will submit a comprehensive portfolio of work for faculty to review prior to graduation.

The AAS in Visual Communication degree is intended for students seeking to start a career upon completion of the program. Students interested in transferring to complete a four year Bachelor’s degree in a more specialized aspect of visual communication should review the Art transfer degrees in the catalog: the Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Fine Arts (AFA).

Discover careers and salaries for this program

Locations

Quad-Cities Campus

Formats

On-campus

Number of Credits

Next Start Date

Any Time

Careers In Visual Communication

Web Developer
Commercial Designer
Art Director
Librarian
Media Collection Specialist
Audio or Video Technician
Graphic Designer

Courses in Visual Communication

First Semester

ART 101 2-Dimensional Design (3)
ART 121 Drawing I (3)
ART 190 Introduction to Computer Art (3)
ART 213 Digital Photography (3)
CS 100 Intro to Computers (3)

Second Semester

ART 111 3-Dimensional Design (3)
ART 122 Drawing II (3)
ART 131 Type and Digital Layout
ART 248 Production and Prepress (even year) or
Choose 1 Art Studio Elective (3)
PSYC 101 Intro to Psychology (3)

Third Semester

ART 215 Digital Imagery (3)
COMM 100 Communication Skills (3)
ENG 101 Composition I or
ENG 101C Composition I (3)
Choose 1 Art Studio Elective (3)
Choose 1 Art History Elective (3)

Fourth Semester

ART 217 Digital Drawing (3)
ART 234 Digital Video and Editing or
ART 247 Motion Graphics (3)
ART 248 Production and Prepress (if even year) or
Choose 1 Art Studio Elective (3)
SPEC 111 Business and Professional Comm or
SPEC 114 Interpersonal Communication (3) or
SPEC 175 Intercultural Communication (3)
Choose 1 Art History Elective (3)

Electives

Art History Elective Options:
• ART 281 History of Western Art I
• ART 282 History of Western Art II
• ART 285 Survey of Asian Art
• ART 286 Survey of Non-Western Art
• MCA 221 Intro to Mass Communication

Art Studio Elective Options:
• ART 201 Life Drawing
• ART 211 Painting
• ART 212 Advanced Painting
• ART 232 The Photographic Series
• ART 233 Studio Lighting
• ART 234 Digital Video and Editing
• ART 235 Elements of Web Design
• ART 246 Graphic Design
• ART 247 Motion Graphics
• ART 289 Portfolio Development
• CIP 170 Web Page Development

Learning Objectives

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Exhibit foundational art and design skills with a strong understanding and application of design principles and color theory.

• Exhibit technical knowledge in industry standard programs, including applications in the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Exhibit technical knowledge of industry standard equipment, including digital cameras, audio and lighting equipment, large-format printers, scanners, drawing tablets, and prepress considerations

• Work in an individual or team environment developing strong concepts, critical thinking skills, communication strategies, and problem-solving tactics.

• Communicate design concepts efficiently to supervisors, clients, and industry professionals.

• Create a comprehensive and quality portfolio demonstrating proficiency in multiple areas of visual communication, including ads and flyers, information graphics, photography, typographic design, web graphics, packaging, and more.